Tri-County Class of 2017 told always to give their best

FRANKLIN -- Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School handed out 231 diplomas to the Class of 2017 during its 38th graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 4.

Joining Superintendent-Director Stephen Dockray at the stage were School Committee Chairman Steven Trask of Franklin, School Committee member Janice Young of Walpole, principal Michael Procaccini, vocational director Jean George, class valedictorian Samantha Frey of Medway, class salutatorian Kathleen Loonie of North Attleborough, and class president Zachary Currier of North Attleborough.

Frey advised her classmates that, while there will be bumps in the road of their lives, as long as they give their best efforts, they will not fail.

“Through your hard work, you have learned and you have grown through experience,” Frey said. “In order to continue our personal growth, we need to leave old habits behind. As we progress into our futures, we need to act more like adults and be more mature ... leaving behind poor habits allows us to cross the threshold into adulthood.”

She also took a moment to remember late classmate Quentin Buehrens, who died in April 2015. “He was intelligent and loved by all who knew him,” Frey said.

Frey also expressed hope that, in the future, the graduates will cherish their own lives and the lives of their loved ones.

“Try not to take anything for granted, especially your education,” Frey said.

During the ceremony, several students found out they received scholarships and tool awards that were available only to Tri-County students. Similar to scholarships, tool awards are given by local businesses, civic organizations and families to aid students entering the workforce with the purchase of tools of the trade.

One of the biggest scholarships given out was the Dean College scholarship given annually to one Tri-County graduate. Gabrielle Geromini, of Bellingham, will receive two years of full tuition and fees to the school.

All students who received scholarship money through Tri-County or outside sources were asked to stand during the ceremony. The Tri-County Class of 2017 received more than $1 million in scholarships and tool awards.